County Under 18 Youth
County Youth Team Fixtures & Reports
Tuesday, 03 February 2009.
News...
ASSOCIATION’S YOUTH UNDER 18 TEAM
SEASON 2008 – 2009:
Douglas Frost Memorial Trophy :
BEDFORDSHIRE F.A
Sunday 14th September 2008 at AFC Wallingford – Lost 4-5
For match report see below.....
Twelftree / Holmes Trophy :
LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND F.A.
Sunday 21st September at AFC Wallingford - Lost 0-2
For match report see below....
Colin Sapwell Memorial Shield :
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE F.A.
Sunday 28th September 2008 at Northampton Spencer FC. Won 2-0
For match report see below
Football Association County Youth Cup :
First Round : CORNWALL
Saturday 11th October 2008 at Thatcham Town FC. Lost 4-5
For match report see below
South West Counties Championship Competition :
DEVON F.A.
November 22nd 2008 at Reading Town FC - Lost 1-3.
For match report see below........
OXFORDSHIRE F.A. date tba HOME
GWENT F.A. Date tba AWAY
HAMPSHIRE F.A February 7th 2009 AWAY
GLOUCESTERSHIRE F.A. March 7th 2009 AWAY
Mick Parry Memorial Trophy :
First Round :
HAMPSHIRE F.A. Saturday November 1st 2008 Won 3-0
For match report see below.
Dorset FA Saturday 31st January 2009 Lost 0-3
Match report to follow....
REPORTS
DOUGLAS FROST MEMORIAL CUP
14th September 2008
BERKS & BUCKS YOUTH [4] v BEDFORDSHIRE YOUTH [5]
This Annual Cup match, played at AFC Wallingford was an entertaining game. The score indicating that both sides need to strengthen their Defences. Bedfordshire Youth started brightly & soon had Berks & Bucks defence in all sorts of trouble. A two goal lead was soon opened up by Bedfordshire-& it looked like Bedfordshire would score a hat full of goals. However Berks & Bucks began to make a mark on the game, with James Bishop troubling the Bedfordshire defence with his pace. It was not long before he was rewarded & scored a fine goal to reduce the arrears to 1-2. Berks& Bucks were soon level, when they were awarded with a penalty kick which Sam Hamilton converted, to level it up at 2-2. With both sides pressing and testing each others defences-and more goals looking likely to come- half time arrived with the score still 2-2.
The second half started as a mirror image of the first half-with Bedfordshire scoring their third goal, from “Sloppy” defending by the Berks & Bucks defence- and again opening up a two goal lead- when the Bedfordshire No 10 went through the home defence un-challenged to make it 4-2 to the visitors. Berks & Bucks were not finished yet- & reduced the lead again, when James Bishop scored his second goal with a “Cracking” shot, that gave the Bedfordshire goalkeeper no chance, to make it 3-4 to the visitors. Both side made substitutions to try to bolster their respective defences-but Bedfordshire for the third time took a two goal lead, when they scored their fifth goal to make it 3-5 with just over five minutes to play. Berks & Bucks were not “Done” for just yet- when from a scramble in the Bedfordshire area Ben Wickens scored Berks& Bucks forth goal to make the score 4-5.
Berks & Bucks now had their tails up- and only desperate defending by Bedfordshire kept them from levelling up the score. James Bishop was denied his hat trick, when he produced a stunning shot which crashed against the visitors crossbar, & from the re-bound the Bedfordshire “Keeper” produced a brilliant save. With the referee looking at his watch, another superb save by the visiting goalkeeper- again prevented Berks & Bucks from levelling up the score. That was the last action of a very entertaining game as the Referee blew his whistle to end this match Berks & Bucks were never in the lead in this match- but never gave up, & but for two fine saves by the Bedfordshire goalkeeper late in the game- can count themselves unlucky to have lost this match.
Report published as received from Richard Custance.
TWELFTREE /HOLMES TROPHY
BERKS & BUCKS YOUTH [0] V [2] LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND YOUTH
Played at AFC WALLINGFORD. 21st September 2008
Manager Colin Green introduced some new players for this game- hoping to strengthen the midfield after “Leaking” 5 goals the week before against Bedfordshire Youth. Leicestershire & Rutland started at a cracking pace-using their “wings”and seemingly finding their players in space in midfield with ease.
Berks & Bucks were finding it difficult to cope with the pace of their opponents, & were resorting to the long high ball for clearances, and trying to supply the front runners-but the visitors defence were finding it easy to cope with the high ball.
It was not long before Leicestershire & Rutland went 1-0 up, with a well move. Berks & Bucks made an early substitution in midfield – to try and stem and break up the movement of their opponents- but Leicestershire & Rutland would not be denied & went 2-0 up- from a good cross & a well headed goal.
The Berks & Bucks attack had very little to feed of- as the high ball tactic was still being used with very little purpose. With the referee blowing for half time Berks& Bucks were lucky to go in only two goals down. Colin Green red the riot act at half time-and made some further changes, with instructions to play wide and keep the ball on the ground. At the start of the second half, Berks & Bucks were given a chance to reduce the arrears when the referee awarded them a penalty kick. Unfortunately Sam Hamilton’s spot kick was well saved by the visitor’s keeper. As the game progressed Berks & Bucks got more into the match-& were beginning to create chances.
Finding their men better-and moving the ball wide, they were now beginning to put pressure on the Leicestershire defence & making them work harder. Both sides were creating chances- but neither side could score any further goals.
Leicestershire & Rutland were worthy winners and looked a well organised side. Berks & Bucks players would hopefully be disappointed with their first half performance, and have learnt that at “County” level-higher standards are required when playing the better players from other “Counties.”
Hopefully Berks & Bucks will build on their second half performance- and perform to their un-doubted capability.
Report published as received from Richard Custance
COLIN SAPWELL MEMORIAL SHIELD
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FA YOUTH [0] v BERKS &BUCKS FA YOUTH [2]
Played atNorthampton Spencer FC - Sunday September 28th 2008.
Hoping to get into winning ways- after loosing the first two matches in this seasons campaign, Manager Colin Green made several changes from the previous matches, & also had one or two new faces on the “bench”. The game kicked off with the home side making the better start- and Berks & Bucks having to do some stout defending.
Northamptonshire were running the game with attack after attack,& but for poor finishing would have taken an early lead. Credit to the Berks & Bucks boys who were defending in numbers, but were unable to give the forwards anything to feed off.
More poor finishing by the Home side, let Berks an Bucks remain level until the 34th minute, when out of the blue- a superb through ball by the Berks & Bucks midfield, was latched onto by Carl Self who took the ball in his stride and unleashed a tremendous shot which the Northamptonshire goalkeeper could only watch sail into the net. This sudden set back seem to unsettle the Northamptonshire lads and allowed Berks & Bucks much more possession of the ball. The home side continued to miss chances they created, and should have gone in at half time with a clear lead.
The second half started as in the previous weeks game- when Berks & Bucks were awarded a penalty kick straight from the Kick Off- and also as the previous week the opposition “Keeper” pulled off a good save to prevent Berks & Bucks taking a two goal lead. Far from being deflated the Berks & Bucks boys started moving the ball around and were now beginning to make the home sides defence do some work.
However Northamptonshire were still making chances-but with better defensive work Berks & Bucks- were now being able to turn defence into attack and creating chances for themselves. Northamptonshire were beginning to be frustrated with not being able to breach the Berks & Bucks defence. Substitutions were being made by both sides- Berks and Bucks introducing Adam Sly to the attack- Berks & Bucks now beginning to take charge of the game. Good play down the Berks & Bucks right flank resulted in Adam Sly putting in a low hard cross through the Home goal area, which no Berks & Bucks player was able to turn into the net.
With Northamptonshire now beginning to have less of the game-and Berks & Bucks enjoying the freedom to attack it was no surprise when Berks & Bucks went 2-0 up- when from a mix up in the “Home” area Adam Sly was able to score from close range. This second goal was the “killer” for Northamptonshire who now were a beaten side. The last five minutes was played out with Berks& Bucks in the driving seat. This was a match in which, if they had taken their chances Northamptonshire could have won easily; but resilience by the Berks & Bucks boys won the day. As they say its goals that count- & it certainly did in this game.!!
Report published as submitted by Richard Custance
Football Association County Youth Cup
First Round : CORNWALL
Saturday 11th October 2008 at Thatcham Town FC. Lost 4-5
This was a disappointing result and performance by the Berks & Bucks youth- who in the previous game against Northamptonshire had performed well- in their 2-0 win.
Both defences in this match will have to improve their play & understanding of the systems they are supposed to be playing. Marking of each others opponents was non- existent at times – and if both defences don’t tighten up – neither side will get anything out of their respective seasons. With neither side being able to play any flowing football- the first 15 minutes was very “scrappy”- with Cornwall probably looking the most likely to score. This they did in the 22nd minute when a Cornwall player –unmarked – was able to score with ease. Play continued to be dis-jointed, with neither side being able to put together a good spell of play. In the 36th minute Berks & Bucks levelled the score at 1-1, when Daniel Hicks scored a well taken goal. In the 40th minute Cornwall went ahead, when the home defence was breached by poor marking. Half time arrived with no further score and Cornwall leading 2-1.
Berks & Bucks started the second half, looking a different side- the manager had obviously laid the law down in the dressing room at half time. Playing much better football, and giving Cornwall something to think about-the home side had a good ten minute spell when the scored twice to go 3-2 up. Sam Hamilton scoring a good solo effort, & Adam Sly producing a snap shot across the Cornwall area, which deceived the goalkeeper. Berks & Bucks now looked the better side- but un-accountably the home side did not defend with any conviction-& Cornwall came back twice –to take the lead at 4-3. With time running out – it looked like Cornwall had done enough to run out winners at 4-3 but Berks & Bucks were not finished yet- in the 90th minute the ball fell to Carl Self in midfield- he decided to “go it” alone- and with Cornwall thinking they had won the match-they failed to get a good tackle in and Carl went into the opposing area & scored the equaliser to make it 4-4.
Looking like extra time was going to be needed- in the 92nd minute Berks & Bucks went to sleep once more- leaving a Cornwall player totally unmarked who promptly took his “gift” with ease to score Cornwalls 5th & winning goal. As the kick off took place –the referee blew his whistle to end the match. This was not a match of high quality football by either side- defences definitely need strengthening- Berks and Bucks will have to improve if they are to beat Hampshire FA in their next game.
Report published as submitted by Richard Custance.
SOUTH & SOUTHWEST CHAMPIONSHIP -MICK PARRY CUP-1st Round
Saturday 1st November 2008
HAMPSHIRE YOUTH [0] BERKS & BUCKS YOUTH [3]
The match started in awful conditions, credit must be given to both teams for the way they tried to play their football throughout the match.
Berks & Bucks kicked off facing the driving rain & wind. Hampshire had the best of the first ten minutes, creating a couple of chance, but were unable to turn these chances into goals. Berks & Bucks gradually began to get into the game-pushing Hampshire back into their own half. The strength of James Bishops runs –[B&B No 9 ] was giving the Hampshire back line problems. In the 25th minute Berks & Bucks opened the scoring when James Bishop finished a good move to put Berks & Bucks 1-0 up.
This early goal , seemed to “UP” Berks & Bucks game- they were moving the ball well in the wet conditions & giving Hampshire much to think about. In the 30th & 36th minutes Hampshire had two breakaway attacks on their left wing, which resulted in two strong low crosses zipping across the Berks & Bucks goalmouth, with no Hampshire player able to turn either chances into a goal. At the other end Sam Hamilton produced a good shot on the turn- bringing a very good save from the Hampshire goalkeeper. Half time arrived; with Berks & Bucks having the best of the half- but Hampshire were not out of it at 1-0.
The second half started with the weather conditions worsening- Berks & Bucks with the wind & rain behind them, took the game to Hampshire, who were finding it difficult to keep the visitors forwards at bay.
Bishop scored his second goal, when from a good run, he coolly rounded the home “keeper” to slot in number two. Substitutions were being made by both managers, as legs began to tire. Berk & Bucks survived a scare, when a break through the middle of the visitors defence created a clear cut chance for Hampshire to reduce the arrears- but a reaction save with his left foot by the Berks & Bucks “keeper” Henry Craved- averted the danger. Berks & Bucks were still in command & despite the ever worsening conditions, were continuing to play their football. James Bishop completed his “Hat-trick” when in the 78th minute from an attack down the left wing. A good cross was met with a glancing header which flew into the “home” goal, giving the “keeper” no chance.
From a smart save at the foot of a Hampshire forward, Henry Craven received a facial cut, and was replaced for the last ten minutes by Ben Murphy the County U16 Goalkeeper. With the time running out Berks & Bucks remained in command. To all the players’ relief- the referee brought the game to an end. With a much improved performance Berks & Bucks on the day were clearly the stronger side, and deserved their 3-0 victory - and move into the Semi –Final were they play Dorset.
Report submitted by Mr Richard Custance
SOUTH & WEST COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP. Group B
Berks & Bucks Youth 1 v Devon Youth 3
Saturday November 22nd 2008. Played at Reading Town.
This was the first League match for both sides in this years Competition.
Berks & Bucks were hoping to continue the good form they had shown against Hampshire Youth in the Mick Parry Cup a couple of weeks earlier.
Devon started the brighter, testing the home goalkeeper Henry Craven in the 4th minute from a cross just under the crossbar. Devon got an early lead when in the 8th minute a through ball found Devons Lewis Young who shot past Henry Craven, to open their account. Henry Craven was being kept busy by the Devon attack, who were creating a lot space and putting the home defence under a lot of pressure.
Berks &Bucks had a chance to level up the score, when Carl Self produced a good free kick, which brought a good save from the visitors goalkeeper, Luke Phillips.
Devon went 2-0 up from an attack which, from a shot by Devons Lewis Young rebounded from off a defender into the net. Berks & Bucks were finding it hard to put their game together- and were giving Devon far to much time and space. Devons goalkeeper was injured in a rare Berks and Bucks attack, and was re-placed by Devons sub goalkeeper. The lively Lewis Young lobbed Berks & Bucks “keeper” Craven- only to be saved by an overhead kick off the goal line by Berks & Bucks Ben Rigby. Berks & Bucks were gradually getting into the game-Sam Hamilton creating a chance –but shooting over the bar. With half time approaching Berks/Bucks reduced the arrears when James Bishop collected the ball on the half way line, and ran at the Devon defence. With Devon defenders trailing in his wake –he ran into the Devon area and produced a strong low shot past the Devon Goalkeeper to make it 1-2.
Half time was reached, with Devon enjoying much more of the play. Early in the second half- Berks& Bucks were rescued again by keeper Henry Craven, from another strike by the lively Devon-Lewis Young. Substitutions were made by both managers- Berks & Bucks brought on Immanuel Shoetan, who immediately had a good shot saved by the Devon keeper. As hard as they tried Berks & Bucks could not produce any telling moves – to put pressure on the visitors defence and Devon were finding it easy to control the game. The longer the game went on it looked as though it was only a matter of time before Devon made the game safe for themselves.
This duly happened in the 82nd minute –when Lewis Young scored his and Devons third goal, to make it 1-3 to the visitors. The remaining 8 minutes were played out with Devon- maintaining their control of the game- and were deserving winners.
This was a disappointing performance by the Berks & Bucks team who looked lack lustre and dis-jointed. Had it not been for the performance by Henry Craven the Berks & Bucks keeper- the defeat would have been more severe. It is hoped that this was a one off performance, And that Berks &Bucks can get back to the kind of performance they produced against Hampshire.
Report submitted by Mr Richard Custance
COUNTY YOUTH TEAM FIXTURES & REPORTS
03 February 2009